Tyrell Malacia has admitted that after kicking Antony, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag warned him.
Erik ten Hag was impressed by Malacia’s uncompromising performances for Feyenoord in Dutch clasicos against Ajax.
When the Dutchman took over at Manchester United, he made the fullback his first signing.
“I know I am not the tallest player in football, but people forget I am from Zuid,” Malacia, who is 5ft 7ins said, name-checking the tough streets in southern Rotterdam that have given him his edge.
“In Zuid, we take care of our own business and fight our own battles. Ten Hag recognised that. When it was clear that Antony’s transfer to United was on and he was expected to come into the squad, the gaffer spoke to me about him.
“It was just before Antony’s first training session at United. He said ‘please go easy on him, no more rough stuff! On the streets of Zuid, I played many football games that ended in fights. But that was the way it was. Playing on the streets of Rotterdam, at the De Kuip Stadium or Old Trafford, I just love a battle.”